EP1322355B1 - Device for carrying out the dosed administration of an injectable product - Google Patents

Abstract

A device for administering an injectable product in doses including a casing having a receptacle for a container which contains the product and accommodates a piston such that the piston can advance towards an outlet for delivering a selected product dosage, a dosing member, with which a dosing movement can be performed relative to the casing for selecting the product dosage, a drive unit, which can be coupled to the casing and the dosing member such that the drive unit can be adjusted relative to the casing from a dosing starting position to a dosing end position by the dosing movement of the dosing member, an operating mechanism which causes the drive unit to perform a delivering movement by which the piston is advanced towards the outlet, and a restoring spring, which is secured in a tensioned state and is coupled to the drive unit by a release for causing a restoring movement of the drive unit towards its dosing starting position.

Description

The invention relates to a device for the metered administration of an injectable Product with a dosing device, after selecting one to be administered Product dose can be reset.

In known devices, for example with spindle drives or rack and pinion drives, is a reset of the metering device for a user of the device either very cumbersome or not possible at all. A reset can be, for example, the Exchanging an empty product container easier, as is the case in EP 0 614 386 B1 is described. To do this is a rack that is on one in the container arranged piston acts, provided with teeth only over part of its circumference. The Teeth on the rack interact with counter teeth in such a way that they move the rack is possible in discrete steps for the purpose of product distribution, but simply pushing the rack back is prevented. For a reset The rack is designed so that the teeth and the counter teeth by disengaging the rack by 90 ° and then the rack manually withdrawn and in a starting position for a new, dosed Distribution can be brought. Resetting the output link requires from one user the coordinated execution of several movements. In the Administration of medically effective products, a preferred one Field of application of the invention, this may be for users who may be under suffer from fine motor disorders, become quite difficult.

US 5 112 317 includes the features of the preamble of Claim 1.

It is an object of the invention in a device for metered administration resetting an injectable product with as few and as few as possible to enable simple operations.

This object is solved by the subject matter of claim 1. advantageous Design and further developments are described by the dependent claims.

In devices as the invention relates to them, there is a container in a housing included, which contains the product and for a distribution of a selected one Product dose receives a piston to be displaceable on a container outlet. To the A dosing element and a drive unit work together to select the product dose. The dosing member performs a dosing movement relative to the selection of the product dose the housing. The drive unit is such with the housing and the metering member coupled that an adjustment movement of the Drive unit from a starting dosing position into a dosing position relative to the Housing is effected. The device also has an actuating device, which causes the drive unit to carry out a dispensing movement by which the Push the piston towards the container outlet and thereby the selected one Product dose is poured out and administered.

The adjustment movement of the drive unit from the initial dosing position to Dosing position or at least in the direction of the dosing position preferably a pure adjustment movement separate from the dispensing movement relative to the housing and relative to the piston. The separate adjustment movement turns a clear distance between the piston and an output member of the drive unit in a dosing position of the device is reduced. This pushes with the pouring movement Output link against the piston. Instead of the adjusting element, the output link to move relative to the piston, but the adjustment movement of one other link of the drive unit, which together with the Output member executes to be performed relative to the output member. It can also do that Dose the adjustment movement by the dosing at his Dosing movement simultaneously an adjustment movement relative to a housing-side, mechanical stop and thereby defines a stroke of the dispensing movement becomes. In this embodiment, the metering element would also be part of the drive unit, by participating in their payout movement. By separating the adjustment movement and dispensing movement a particularly safe dose selection is possible. Furthermore, the Payout movement always remain the same. For this preferred type of dosage spindle drives have proven particularly successful. Although less preferred, the Adjustment movement and the pouring movement of the drive unit also coincide, if for example the product dose to be administered is still during the Dispensing movement is selected, as is the case, for example, with a rack and pinion drive trained drive unit is possible.

According to the invention, the device has a reset spring which is in a tensioned state Condition is secured and is coupled to the drive unit by unlocking. Due to the coupling, the discharging spring energy causes a reset movement of the Drive unit in the direction of its dosing starting position. It just has to Securing the reset spring can be solved with a simple push of a button or a simple movement of a slide can be done with just one hand.

The device can already be from a manufacturer with a tensioned reset spring be provided so that the reset spring only discharges when necessary. However, the reset spring is preferably tensioned when the drive unit is on it Dosing end is adjusted. In this case there is a blocking device provided that allows the adjustment movement, but prevents the drive unit under the influence of the reset spring accidentally towards her Starting position is moved back to. The reset spring preferably acts via the metering element to the drive unit. The blocking device also works preferably on the metering element.

A mechanical spring, in particular a spiral spring, particularly preferably forms the Reset spring. Is a link for the purpose of adjusting the drive unit Drive unit rotated relative to the housing, so the coil spring between the Housing and this link of the drive unit to be clamped. Such is more preferred Spiral spring clamped between the housing and the metering element, which in this case for executing the metering movement is rotatably mounted relative to the housing.

In preferred embodiments, the drive unit is a Spindle drive. A rotary movement of the metering element is introduced into the spindle drive, and the spindle drive carries out the adjustment movement. The spindle drive can in particular be carried out in several stages, as described in WO 98/47552, the Disclosure hereby regarding advantageous spindle drives and more generally in Reference is made to advantageous, multi-stage drive units.

The reset spring can advantageously only be used to drive the drive unit up to to reset a starting dosing position that it before a first adjustment has taken. If a spindle drive is used, this is often not a nuisance felt, but indispensable for reuse, turning back the Drive unit.

Alternatively, a reset spring can be used with the reset spring according to the invention accidentally selected overdose should be corrected. In particularly preferred The reset spring is available for both a complete reset as well used for a partial reset of the drive unit

The said blocking device has a blocking member and a blocking counter-member, which in a mutual blocking engagement an adjustment of the drive unit in To prevent direction to their dosing starting position, but an adjustment in the direction to allow their dosing position. The blocking member is with the drive unit coupled, preferably rigid, the blocking counter-member is preferably with the housing secured against rotation, but towards the blocking member and away from the blocking member slidably connected, wherein it is loaded by a spring force on the blocking member becomes. The blocking engagement is advantageously carried out by a locking connection several locking positions, which the blocking member and the blocking counter member relative can take each other, formed. This allows the selection of those to be distributed Product dose in discrete steps.

To correct an accidental overdose in preferred versions can, a release element is provided, by the actuation of the Blocking intervention can be solved. To enable gradual correction, i.e. around the blocking member and the blocking counter member relative to each other from the straight last resting position taken into the penultimate one immediately before To be able to transfer locking position, the blocking member forms a mechanical stop that interacts with the unlocking element. After the blocking intervention in the last latching position has been released by actuating the unlocking element, is the blocking member by the spring force of the reset spring in the direction of penultimate rest position moved back. The stop of the blocking member is like this trained that the stop against the safety element before the Blocking member and the blocking counter member beyond their penultimate rest position have moved back. The unlocking element also fulfills the task of Release of the locking engagement and the formation of a mechanical stop for Limitation of the backward movement of the blocking member and thus ultimately the Reset movement of the drive unit. By the blocking member the blocking counter member in a transmission path between the reset spring and the drive unit are arranged, the reset spring can not only be used to completely reset the Drive unit, but also used to gradually reduce the product dose become.

In preferred embodiments, the metering element, the reset spring and the Blocking device arranged next to the drive unit and guide the Dispensing movement of the drive unit preferably also. Drive unit, Metering element, reset spring and blocking device are preferably used as a whole moves and do not change their relative positions to each other.

Figur 1

eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung in einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Figur 2

einen Teil der Vorrichtung der Figur 1 in einem Längsschnitt,

Figur 3

den Teil der Figur 2 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Figur 4

eine Blockiereinrichtung der Vorrichtung in einer Ansicht,

Figur 5

die Blockiereinrichtung der Figur 4 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Figur 6

ein Blockierglied der Blockiereinrichtung in einem Querschnitt,

Figur 7

eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung in einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel,

Figur 8

die Blockiereinrichtung der Vorrichtung nach Figur 7 und

Figur 9

eine Weiterentwicklung der Vorrichtung nach Figur 1.

The invention is described below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments. Features disclosed thereby form the subjects of the claims advantageously individually and in each of the combinations of features. Show it:

Figure 1

a device according to the invention in a first embodiment,

Figure 2

1 a part of the device of FIG. 1 in a longitudinal section,

Figure 3

the part of Figure 2 in a perspective view,

Figure 4

a blocking device of the device in a view,

Figure 5

4 is a perspective view of the blocking device of FIG. 4,

Figure 6

a blocking member of the blocking device in a cross section,

Figure 7

a device according to the invention in a second embodiment,

Figure 8

the blocking device of the device of Figure 7 and

Figure 9

a further development of the device according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 shows a device for the metered administration of an injectable product, which is designed as a so-called injection pen. The pen has a housing with a front housing part 1 with a receptacle 2 for a container containing the product on. The container is preferably formed by an ampoule in which a piston is slidably arranged. The container is inserted into the receptacle 2 and points then with a container outlet to an injection site facing proximal outlet 3 of the receptacle 2. By pushing the piston forward the outlet 3, the product, for example insulin, is displaced from the container and through a connected catheter or via the outlet 3 directly from 2 protruding injection needle, also distributed at 31G and larger.

In order to advance the piston in the container onto the outlet 3, a Output member 4 pressed against the rear of the piston. The output member 4 fulfills the Function of a piston rod and performs the same when the product is distributed Pouring movement like the piston. The output member 4 is with others Components held on a rear housing part 10 by the front Housing part 1 is received back and forth straight and with a distal End protrudes from the housing part 1. By pushing against the distal end of the posterior Housing part 10, the output member 4 is advanced to the outlet 3 until it first hits the piston and the piston moves in its further forward movement Container. This discharge movement of the output member 4 is by a mechanical stop between the front housing part 1 and the rear Housing part 10 limited in the proximal direction. The rear housing part 10 is in the following its function also referred to as an actuator. In the A compression spring 8 is tensioned in the dispensing movement. After the pressure from the Actuator 10 has been taken, the tensioned compression spring 8 pushes the Actuator 10 with the output member 4 back into a distal End position. The product dose to be distributed is selected in the distal end position, by setting a clear distance between the output member 4 and the piston. When setting the distance, i.e. the dosage, the output member 4 is relative to the actuator 10 moves toward the piston.

As can be seen in Figure 2, the metering is carried out by means of a spindle drive. The Output element 4 is the output stage or output stage of a drive unit, which a single-stage spindle drive is formed for the purpose of metering. A support link 6 forms the support stage of the spindle drive. The support member 6 is with a sleeve an internal thread formed at a proximal end. The output member 4 is one Threaded rod with one that extends over almost the entire length External thread. The support member 6 surrounds the output member 4 coaxially. The external thread of the output member 4 and the internal thread of the support member 6 interlock. The Support member 6 is between the compression spring 8 and a distal compensation spring 9 arranged. The compensating spring 9 brings about length compensation; however, that comes across Support member 6 during the dispensing movement with its distal end against the Actuating device 10, so that despite the compensating spring 9, a dispensing movement of predetermined length is performed.

In addition to the axis of the dispensing movement, there is a metering device with a Blocking device 20 arranged. The metering device comprises a metering button 11, the relative to the housing parts 1 and 10, about one to the axis of the dispensing movement parallel axis is rotatable. With the dosing button 11, the user sets the product dose to be distributed. One extends centrally through the metering button 11 Shaft 12, which is provided with teeth on its outer jacket. The dose button 11 has an internal toothing which engages in the external toothing of the shaft 12, so that between the dosing button 11 and the shaft 12 a rotation-proof connection will be produced. However, the shaft 12 is relative to the metering button 11 in Wavelength direction slidable back and forth. The shaft combs at its distal end 12 with an internally toothed metering element 13. The tooth tooth ratio between the External toothing of the shaft 12 and the internal toothing of the metering element 13 is 1: 2. The metering member 13 also has external teeth on its outer casing. The External toothing of the metering element 13 is in meshing tooth engagement with one External toothing of a further metering element 14, which immediately starts the rotary movement the drive unit, in the exemplary embodiment on its output member 4, transmits and therefore hereinafter referred to as transmission member 14.

The transmission member 14 coaxially surrounds the output member 4. The output member 4 extends through transmission member 14 and is transmitted from transmission member 14 guided so that the output member 4 relative to the transmission member 14 in the longitudinal direction moved, but can not be rotated about its longitudinal axis. The transmission link 14 is not displaceable on the support member 6, but can be rotated about the longitudinal axis attached. When the transmission member 14 rotates about the common one The output member 4 therefore becomes the longitudinal axis of the output member 4 and the support member 6 rotated and as a result of the threaded engagement with the support member 6 relative to the Support member 6 moved in the longitudinal direction.

Prerequisite for the output member 4 by rotating the transmission member 14th shifted in the longitudinal direction by a defined path length relative to the support member 6 is, however, is that the support member 6 is in turn secured against rotation. The Anti-rotation of the support member 6 is achieved by meshing with a bearing body 17 causes, which is arranged next to the support member 6. The bearing body 17 is relative to the housing 1.10 rotatable about an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the support member 6 is. In the exemplary embodiment, the axis of rotation of the bearing body 17 coincides with the axis of rotation of the Dosing member 13 together, which is preferred, but not inevitable is required. The bearing body 17 is relative to the housing 1.10 in the secured rotation angle position secured. The bearing body 17 is an externally toothed Gear formed and stands with a gear 7 which surrounds the support member 6 and is secured against rotation with the support member 6, in tooth engagement. Through the Anti-rotation of the bearing body 17 and the tooth engagement with the gear 7 is the Protection against rotation for the support member 6 is produced.

A reset spring 16 is supported on the bearing body 17. How clearer in the Figures 3 and 5 can be seen, the reset spring 16 by a coil spring spirally surrounding spring coils. The coil spring 16 is with a outer spring end on the bearing body 17 and with an inner spring end on a Supported shaft 15 which is torsionally rigid connected to the metering member 13. in the Embodiment, the metering member 13 and the shaft 15 are integrally formed, the shaft 15 projects centrally from the metering member 13 and parallel to the Longitudinal axis of the output member 4 extends into the bearing body 17. The Reset spring 16 is, so to speak, from its inner spring end to the distal end of the Shaft 15 spirally wound up to the outer end of the spring. Here is the reset spring 16 supported on the shaft 15 and the bearing body 17 such that at one Rotary movement of the metering member 13 relative to the bearing body 17, the reset spring 16 each is either tensioned or relaxed according to the direction of rotation. Because of the coupling between the drive unit 4 and the metering element 13 and the anti-rotation device between the bearing body 17 and the support member 6 or more generally, the housing, is the reset spring 16 ultimately between the output member 4 and the support member 6 clamped, i.e. between those links between which the relative rotation takes place to the output member 4 from a metering position towards or in to move a dosing starting position back. The starting position here is understood each position of the output member 4 relative to the piston from which the Output member 4 moves towards the piston during a dispensing movement, but not yet Distribution would take place. When selecting the product dose to be distributed, the Dosing, the output member 4 from such a starting dosing position on the Piston moves and thereby a clear distance between the output member 4 and the Piston reduced. The reset spring 16 is now arranged so that it in this Adjustment movement of the drive unit is tensioned and at a Backward movement towards the dosing starting position too relaxed.

Figure 4 shows an enlarged view of a blocking device 20, which with the Dosing member 13 is connected. By the blocking device 20, the spring force of the tensioned reset spring 16 in the locking positions of the blocking device 20 of the Dosing member 13 and taken as a result of the output member 4.

The blocking device 20 comprises a blocking member 21 and a blocking counter member 24. The blocking member 21 is a disk-shaped blocking wheel which is secured against rotation with the Dosing member 13 is connected. In the exemplary embodiment, it is secured against rotation on the Metering shaft 15 attached. The blocking counter member 24 is designed as an annular disc, through which the metering shaft 15 extends. The blocking counter member 24 is with the Housing part 10 connected against rotation and relative to the housing part 10 along the Metering shaft 15 guided to move back and forth. As an anti-rotation device and Grooves 26, which are located on the outer jacket of the blocking counter-member 24 in Extend longitudinally and into the corresponding guide projections of the housing part 10 intervene.

The blocking member 21 and the face on opposite sides Blocking counter member 24 each via a circle concentric to the metering member shaft 15 saw teeth 22 and 25 are evenly distributed. The saw teeth 22 des Blocking member 21 and the saw teeth 25 of the blocking counter member 24 are arranged so that the gradually rising flanks of all saw teeth 22 always over at the same time the gradually rising flanks of the saw teeth 25 slide when the metering member 13 so is rotated that the drive unit is adjusted in the direction of a metering end position becomes. In order to allow the sliding movement of the saw teeth 22 and 25, this is Locking counter member 24 against the restoring force of a support spring 27 from the locking member 21 can be pushed away. As soon as the saw teeth 22 and 25 with their flat flanks have slid over each other, the blocking counter member 24 snaps due to the spring force the support spring 27 again against the blocking member 21. A relative rotation between the blocking member 21 and the blocking counter member 24 in the opposite direction prevents the steep flanks of the saw teeth 22 from moving with respect to the opposite direction and 25 lie opposite and thereby prevents the blocking member 21 from turning back becomes. A further rotation of the blocking member 21 from one latching position to the next Lock position corresponds to an adjustable dose unit.

The blocking device 20 serves not only to completely prevent a reset the drive unit. With their help, in the event of an overdose, the Incorrectly reset dose set unit by unit become. When resetting, an unlocking element 28 and stops 23 act are formed on the blocking member 21 together.

As can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5 and cross section A-A in FIG the stops 23 by a ring of teeth on the outer jacket of the blocking member 21 educated. The zigzag ring is formed by straight grooves that go into the Outer lateral surface of the blocking member 21 are embedded and axially from one Extend the end face of the blocking member 21 to the other continuously. The stops 23 are each seen by one of the two facing each other in the circumferential direction Groove walls formed. The unlocking element 28 is a slide, which is on the housing part 10 into the grooves of the blocking member 21 in the direction of the blocking counter member 24 can be inserted and pushed out of the grooves. The insertion takes place against a spring force, so that the unlocking element 28 after a release is automatically moved out of the groove. The direction of movement is in Figures 4 and 5 drawn with a double arrow. The unlocking element 28 has a width measured in the circumferential direction of the blocking member 21, which is smaller than the width of the grooves of the blocking member 21. After retracting the Unlocking element 28 in one of the grooves remains between that on the blocking member 21 formed stop 23 and the opposite surface of the unlocking element 28th a clear distance, as can best be seen in the cross section of FIG. 6.

In Figur 2 nimmt die Antriebseinheit ihre erste Dosierausgangsstellung vor einer ersten Ausschüttung und vor einer ersten Dosierung ein. Ein in der Aufnahme 2 aufgenommenes Behältnis ist noch vollkommen gefüllt. Aus dieser ersten Dosierausgangsstellung heraus wird die erste Dosierung vorgenommen. Hierfür wird der Dosierknopf 11 relativ zu dem Gehäuse 1, 10 (Figur 1) verdreht. Durch die Drehung des Dosierknopfs 11 wird die Welle 12 mitgedreht. Die Welle 12 kämmt mit der Innenverzahnung des Dosierglieds 13. Durch das Zähnezahnverhältnis wird die Drehwinkelgeschwindigkeit der Welle 12 bei der Übertragung auf das Dosierglied 13 im Verhältnis 2:1 untersetzt. Das Dosierglied 13 kämmt mit dem Übertragungsglied 14 im Verhältnis 1:1.

The operation of the device of the first embodiment is explained below:

In FIG. 2, the drive unit assumes its first dosing starting position before a first distribution and before a first dosing. A container accommodated in the receptacle 2 is still completely filled. The first metering is carried out from this first metering starting position. For this purpose, the dosing button 11 is turned relative to the housing 1, 10 (FIG. 1). The shaft 12 is also rotated by the rotation of the dosing knob 11. The shaft 12 meshes with the internal toothing of the metering element 13. The tooth tooth ratio reduces the rotational angular velocity of the shaft 12 during the transfer to the metering element 13 in a ratio of 2: 1. The metering member 13 meshes with the transmission member 14 in a 1: 1 ratio.

The transmission member 14 takes the rotation connected when it rotates Output member 4 with. The support member 6 is due to the meshing between the Gear 7 and the bearing body 17 and the anti-rotation of the bearing body 17 relative to the housing 1.10 in its angular position relative to the bearing body 17 and relative held to the housing 1.10. As a result of the thread engagement between the output member 4 and the support member 6, the rotating output member 4 is towards the outlet 3 emotional.

Due to the rotary movement and the non-rotating connection between the dosing element 13 and the shaft 15, on the one hand, the reset spring 16 is tensioned and, on the other hand, that Blocking member 21 rotated relative to the blocking counter member 24. The relative rotation between the blocking member 21 and the blocking counter member 24 is by the Sawtooth engagement and the resilient reciprocating movement of the blocking counter-member 24 allows. Due to the sawtooth engagement, a backward rotation is prevented. The sawtooth engagement also generates a clearly audible click noise that the Users each hear the increase by a dose unit. In addition is preferably an optical display of the number of cumulations at this dosage selected dose units are provided, which are based on an electronic recording of the Angular position of one of the links twisted during dosing.

After the dose has been selected, the support member 6 is combined with the driven member 4 with the other components of the dosing device including the Blocking device 20 by manual pressure against the actuating device 10 relative to the housing part 1 on the outlet 3. to the proximal end position of the Actuator 10 advanced. This occurs in the course of this distribution movement Output member 4 first against the piston, which during the further advancement of the Output member 4 is advanced to the outlet 3 in the container. Because of the Pushing the plunger becomes a product quantity corresponding to the set dose displaced from the container and through the outlet 3 and a connected Injection needle poured out. As soon as the pressure from the actuating device 10 is removed, the actuator 10 moves under the pressure of the Compression spring 8 back to its distal end position. In the distal end position of the Actuator 10 takes the output member 4 now its new Dosing start position for a new dosing and product distribution. This Process, i.e. the dosage and the subsequent dispensing movement can be repeated several times be repeated until the output member 4 after reaching its last metering position the discharge movement has been carried out and the container ideally completely is emptied.

At the end of the dispensing movement, the shaft 12 strikes one with an optical one Display connected switch, which resets the display to "0". The Engagement between the metering member 13 and the shaft 12 is corresponding secured against displacement, so that the shaft 12 all displacement movements of the Dosing member 13 participates.

To use the device again, the output member 4 must be from the last one Dosierstellung be moved back, preferably to its first Dosierausgangsstellung. The reset movement is carried out by means of the reset spring 16 automatically executed when the anti-rotation device between the bearing body 17 and the rear housing part 10 is released. There is a separate unlocking element for this provided, for example another slide, which is used to manufacture the Anti-rotation engages in the bearing body 17 and when disengaged from it the bearing body 17 is moved out. After releasing the anti-rotation device, the Bearing body 17 due to the stored spring energy about an axis of rotation with that of the metering element 13 coincides. Because of the forehead intervention with the Bearing body 17, the gear 7 and associated with it secured against rotation Support member 6 forcibly rotated with. By the blocking engagement of the blocking member 21st with the blocking counter member 24, the metering member 13 is taken in the Angular position secured relative to the rear housing part 10. Through the meshing also keep the transmission member 14 and the associated twist-proof Output member 4 their assumed rotational angle positions. By doing this forced relative rotation between the support member 6 and the output member 4 is Output member 4 retracted into the support member 6 to its first metering starting position. The reset spring 16 is preferred in this first dosing starting position biased to complete retraction of the output member 4 also after to ensure repeated use of the device.

If the user doses, i.e. the adjustment movement of the drive unit one dosing start position to the next dosing end position, accidentally too much Has chosen dose units, he can overdose by means of Correct the unlocking element 28. The releasing element is used for the correction 28 against the pressure of a spring in the axially opposite groove of the blocking member 21 pushed in and pushed against the blocking counter member 24 until the Locking counter member 24 against the pressure of the support spring 27 from the locking member 21 takes off. The unlocking element 28 is so far against the blocking counter member 24 can be pushed forward in such a way that the opposing positions in the engaged position the steep flanks of the saw teeth 22 and 25 (Figure 4) disengage. Once this Blocking engagement is released, the blocking counter member 24 rotates due to the spring force of the Reset spring 16 against the direction of rotation when increasing the dose. The reverse rotation of the blocking member 21 is limited by the unlocking element 28. The Blocking member 21 can only turn back by the clear distance that between the unlocking element 28 and that through the opposite groove wall formed stop 23 remains. If the unlocking element 28 is released, it drives it back due to the spring force on it and finally out of the groove of the blocking member 21 out. During this movement, the blocking counter-member first becomes 24 pressed again by the support spring 27 against the blocking member 21. As soon as that Unlocking element 28 completely moved out of the groove of the blocking member 21 and the stop pair 23, 28 have been released, the blocking member 21 rotates under the Spring force of the reset spring 16 continues to return until the opposite abut the steep tooth flanks of the saw teeth 22 and 25. The reverse rotation of the Blocking member 21 corresponds to the actuation of the unlocking element 28 Reset by one dose unit.

Figure 7 shows in a longitudinal section the essential parts of a device, according to a second embodiment. In this embodiment, both Adjustment movements of the drive unit, namely the movement of the driven member 4 in Direction towards the dosing position and the movement towards the Dosing starting position, caused by the engagement with the dosing member 13. The Bearing body 17 is simply secured against rotation to the rear housing part 10 and coupled to the spindle drive only via the metering element 13. The reset spring 16 is with an inner end on a centrally protruding from the metering member 13 and supported against rotation connected shaft or journal 15 supported. The support member 6 is held against rotation directly by the housing part 1 (Fig. 1). In relation to the drive unit and the clamping of the reset spring 16 result in no further Change to the device of the first embodiment. In the second In the exemplary embodiment, however, the spindle drive can alternatively be located between the output member 4 and the transmission member 14 are formed and the support member 6 in the Adjustment movement serve as a straight line for the output member 4.

However, the blocking device 20 is not secured against rotation with the dosing member 13 connected shaft, but arranged along the metering shaft 12. The engagement between the shaft 12 and the metering member 13 is, however, the same as in the Device of the first embodiment.

Figure 8 shows the blocking device 20 in an enlarged view. The Blocking member 21 surrounds the shaft 12 and is rotatably mounted relative to the shaft 12. As in the first embodiment, the dosing button 11 is secured against rotation with the shaft 12 connected. The metering buttons 11 and 11 have on their mutually facing end faces the blocking member 21 has a plurality of claws 11a and 21a, which form a Protection against rotation between the dosing button 11 and the blocking member 21 one inside the other grip, as shown in Figure 8. The dose button 11 can against the force of a Spring 19 away from the blocking member 21 from that formed by the claws 11a and 21 Anti-rotation intervention can be moved. The blocking counter member 24 is again secured against rotation, but along the shaft 12 against the force of a support spring 27 on the Dosing member 13 mounted to be straight. The training and functioning of the Blocking member 21 and the blocking counter member 24 is with the exception of the rotary entrainment of the blocking member 21 by the rotary knob 11 is the same as in the first Embodiment.

Also in terms of how it works, with the exception of full reset the drive unit in its first or most distal starting position the comments on the first embodiment are referred to. However, after When the final dosing position is reached, the reset movement is triggered Dosing button 11 pushed against the force of a spring 19 away from the blocking member 21, whereby the anti-rotation device between the metering button 11 and the blocking member 21st is solved. After releasing the anti-rotation device, the shaft 12, the dosing button 11 and the metering member 13 rotated back by the spring force of the reset spring 16. about the engagement with the transmission member 14 is at this turning back Output member 4 moved back into its most distal starting position.

Figure 9 shows a third embodiment, which is different from the first embodiment only differs in terms of the drive unit. The spindle drive of the Drive unit of the third embodiment is in two stages with the output member 4 as Output stage, a drive member 5 as an intermediate stage and the support member 6 as Abstützstufe. The support member 6 is like in the other two embodiments and secured against rotation during the dosing relative to the rear housing part 10 and kept locked.

The rotationally driven by the metering member 13 transmission member 14 takes at his Rotational movement of the drive member 5. Here, the drive member 5 by a Thread engagement with the support member 6 relative to the support member 6 in the direction of the Outlet 3 too advanced. The drive member 5 takes this in its translation movement Output member 4 with. In addition, the output member 4 with a thread engagement the drive member 5 relative to the drive member 5 in the direction of the outlet 3 advanced. To the movements of the drive member 5 and the output member 4 relative to each other and relative to the support member 6 is at the distal end of the Drive member 5 secured against rotation 29 in the form of a disc. The Fastening is such that the drive member 5 is rotatable relative to the anti-rotation device 29 is, but the anti-rotation 29 with its own translational movement relative to the Takes support member 6. The anti-rotation device 29 is secured against rotation with the support member 6 connected, for example as shown in section A-A by engagement of two Protrusions in corresponding longitudinal grooves of the support member 6. On the anti-rotation device 29 is a pin-shaped driver 31 secured against rotation, for example as in Embodiment with a screw 30. The output member 4 stands with the driver 31 engages such that rotation of the driven member relative to the driver 31st is prevented, but a translational movement of the output member 4 relative to the Driver 31 is possible. The output member 4 is thus over the driver 31 and the anti-rotation device 29 is connected to the support member 6 so that it cannot rotate. Through the Multi-stage with several stages 4 and 5 moving in the longitudinal direction becomes an in Maintain short spindle drive with a long metering length.

reference numeral

1

housing part

2

case enclosure

3

outlet

4

driven member

5

drive member

6

supporting member

7

gear

8th

compression spring

9

balancing spring

10

Housing part, actuating device

11

dose

11a

steal

12

wave

13

Dosing element, rotating element

14

Dosing element, transmission element

15

wave

16

Reset spring

17

bearing body

18

-

19

feather

20

blocking device

21

blocking member

21a

steal

22

saw teeth

23

attack

24

Blocking counter member

25

saw teeth

26

straight guide

27

support spring

28

Entsicherungselement

29

twist

30

screw

31

takeaway

Claims (14)

1. A device for the dosaged administration of an injectable product, the device including:

   a) a casing (1, 10) having a receiving means (2) for a container which contains the product and which accommodates a piston which can be advanced in a direction towards an outlet (3) for expelling a selected dose of product,

   b) a dosing member (13) with which a dosing movement relative to the casing (1, 10) can be effected for selecting the dose of product,

   c) a drive unit (4, 6; 4, 5, 6) which is coupled to the casing (1, 10) and the dosing member (13) in such a way that the drive unit (4, 6; 4, 5, 6) is displaceable from an initial dosing position to a final dosing position relative to the casing (1, 10) by the dosing movement of the dosing member (13), and

   d) an actuating device (10) which causes the drive unit (4, 6; 4, 5, 6) to perform an expelling movement by which the piston is advanced towards the outlet (3),
      characterised in that

   e) a resetting spring (16) which is secured in a stressed state is coupled by being released to the drive unit (4, 6; 4, 5, 6) and causes a resetting movement of the drive unit (4, 6; 4, 5, 6) in a direction towards its initial dosing position.
2. A device according to claim 1 characterised in that the resetting spring (16) is stressed by displacement of the drive unit (4, 6; 4, 5, 6), which takes place in a direction towards the final dosing position, and a blocking device (20) prevents the resetting movement of the drive unit (4, 6; 4, 5, 6).
3. A device according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that a coil spring which is stressed between the casing (1, 10) and a rotary member (13) which is rotatable relative to the casing (1, 10) forms the resetting spring (16), wherein the rotary member (13) is rotated upon displacement of the drive unit (4, 6; 4, 5, 6) and the resetting spring (16) is stressed thereby.
4. A device according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the dosing member (13) advances a drive output member (4) of the drive unit (4, 6; 4, 5, 6) in a direction towards the piston in the dosing movement by way of a spindle drive.
5. A device according to the preceding claim characterised in that the spindle drive includes a support member (6) which is mounted rotatably relative to the casing (1, 10) but which is releasably secured to prevent rotational movement.
6. A device according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that
      a blocking device (20) in a condition of blocking engagement prevents the resetting movement of the drive unit (4, 6; 4, 5, 6),
   the resetting spring (16) is stressed between a mounting body (17) and a rotary member (13),
      wherein the rotary member (13) is rotated upon displacement of the drive unit (4, 6; 4, 5, 6),
      and wherein the mounting body (17) is mounted rotatably relative to the casing (1, 10) and is in engagement with the drive unit (4, 6; 4, 5, 6) for rotary drive,
      and that a rotational securing means which prevents rotary movement of the mounting body (17) relative to the casing (1, 10) is releasable.
7. A device according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that a blocking member (21) coupled to the drive unit (4, 6; 4, 5, 6) and a co-operating blocking member (24) coupled to the casing (1, 10) in a condition of blocking engagement prevent the resetting movement of the drive unit (4, 6; 4, 5, 6).
8. A device according to the preceding claim characterised in that to form the blocking engagement the blocking member (21) can be latched in latching positions with the co-operating blocking member (24) and there is provided a release element (28) to release the blocking engagement.
9. A device according to the preceding claim characterised in that the blocking member (21) forms an abutment (23) which after release of the blocking engagement comes to bear against the release member (28) and limits the resetting movement of the drive unit (4, 6; 4, 5, 6).
10. A device according to one of the three preceding claims characterised in that the blocking member (21) and the co-operating blocking member (24) are pressed against each other in the condition of blocking engagement by means of a spring (27).
11. A device according to one of the four preceding claims characterised in that
       the dosing movement of the dosing member (13) is a rotary movement,
       connected to the dosing member (13) is a shaft (15; 12) which also rotates upon a rotary movement of the rotary member (13),
       the blocking member (21) is carried on the shaft (15; 12) in a condition of being prevented from rotating thereon, and
       the co-operating blocking member (24) can be brought out of the condition of blocking engagement along the shaft (15; 12) against the force of a spring (27).
12. A device according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that
       the dosing member (13) is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation relative to the casing (1, 10) and projecting from the dosing member (13) in the direction of the axis of rotation is a shaft (15) at which the resetting spring (16) is supported.
13. A device according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that
       a dosing knob (11) is supported rotatably by the casing (1, 10),
       the dosing knob (11) is in engagement with the shaft (12) in such a way that a rotary movement of the dosing knob (11) causes a rotary movement of the shaft (12) and a longitudinal displacement of the shaft (12) relative to the dosing knob (11) is possible, and
       the shaft (12) is in engagement with the dosing member (13), by virtue of which the dosing movement of the dosing member (13) is produced.
14. A device according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the dosing member (13) and the resetting spring (16) are arranged beside the drive unit (4, 6; 4, 5, 6) in the casing (1, 10).

Images